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Why Volunteer?
People volunteer for a wide range of reasons,
especially when reaching out to help others. Instead of thinking
of volunteering as a way to help others who are not as educated or
as fortunate as yourself, begin to think of it as an even exchange. Consider
that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So
today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow
you may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort.
Think of the gratification and achievement
in helping another person or the opportunities to make new friends
and become involved with people from different walks of life. Or
the smile of a child's face from watching you use your skills and knowledge
in tutoring them or a friend. Think about how much you receive
when you give and consider why you want or should volunteer. Whatever
the reasons and you may have many, here are just a few of the many
possible motivations identified by other student volunteers:
To
share a skill or lend a hand
To get to know our community
To demonstrate commitment to a cause or belief>
To feel needed
To help someone
For fun!
To assure progress
To standup and be counted
You probably have identified some special
reasons of your own. Remember that the motivations you have selected
and the place you decide to go or the people you decide to help may
not be the reasons why you stay. Once you are on the volunteer's
job, you will continue to serve as long as you feel that your efforts
are accomplishing something, whether its a one time service or continual
service. It is important to remember that your talents and works
are appreciated by adults, children and seniors from various cultures,
and that you make a difference.
As long as you are truly serving and giving
back to the community through your volunteer work, isn't it wonderful
that such an even exchange occurs?
What are the current volunteer projects?
Assist with small group of students
Monitor projects
Chaperon field trips
Demonstrate crafts
One-on-one tutoring
Teach your native language
Prepare learning materials
Share your cultural richness
Assist at athletic events
Organize parties & activities
Tell about your carrier
Assist with computers
Beautification projects
Painting of senior citizen homes
Designing cards for seniors
Qualifications
Desire to help people
Reliability
A few hours to share
Patience
Willingness to serve as part of team
Positive outlook on children and learning
Benefits
Learn new skills
Meet other people
Accomplish a goal
Feel satisfied at helping
Add to your resume
For more information give Deborah Brown of the Community
Development Office a call at (312)567-3115.
The Information Is Free, The Result Is Worth Millions
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